281. 5 Holiday Retail Takeaways: How to Prep for Profit Without the Chaos

With host retail coach is now a standalone masterclass, which means it’s available without an Inner Circle membership! Click to grab it now. You can walk through the sessions at your own pace and rewatch it year after year. In This Episode: The holidays are coming fast, but with the right plan, chaos doesn’t have to be part of your story. In this episode of the Creative Shop Talk Podcast, I’m recapping the biggest takeaways from our recent Holiday Prep Coaching Week inside the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With just 86 days left in the year, now’s the time to get intentional, prepare, and create a season of profit and joy instead of stress and chaos. Key Takeaways: Holiday chaos is optional (and how to avoid it) The importance of defining your version of success beyond sales How to let your customers guide your calendar and promotions Simple ways to remove bottlenecks and streamline your season Why profit and hospitality matter more than constant discounts Your Next Steps: Download the now! It’s available for free to members of the Inner Circle and for a low price for non-members. For $97, you can rewatch the modules year after year. I’d love to hear what success means to you as it relates to the holiday season. When January 1, 2026 comes and you are ringing in a new year, what metrics will you use to rate your success in 2025? on Instagram and let’s chat! Related podcasts we think you’ll like: : Fresh Ways to Wow & Delight Your Customers This Holiday Season : Holiday Sales Tips From Seasoned Shop Owners : Simple Shifts to Boost Your Bottom Line This Holiday Season : How to Debrief Your Events Like a Pro: The Retailer’s Checklist About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy. I’ve had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I’ve supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast. For more support from Wendy Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer. Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your